7 SIGNS SOMEONE MAY BE LYING TO YOU
Spotting deception
Spotting deception is not always easy. While many people think liars avoid eye contact, the opposite can also be true - some deliberately overcompensate, maintaining intense eye contact in an attempt to control the situation or manipulate your perception.
Fortunately, there are subtle behavioural clues that can indicate dishonesty. Here are seven simple signs that someone may be lying to you:
A Rigid Stance → Liars sometimes stand unnaturally still, adopting a stiff, catatonic posture that looks out of place in normal conversation.
Staring or Sudden Head Movements → They may stare without blinking much, or suddenly change their head position when questioned directly.
Protective Gestures → Touching the mouth, covering vulnerable body parts, or shuffling their feet are instinctive behaviours when someone feels exposed.
Changes in Breathing and Voice → Deception can cause heavier breathing, raised shoulders, or a shallow voice as the body reacts to stress.
Repetition and Over-Explaining → Liars may repeat words or provide excessive, unnecessary detail - often to buy time while gathering their thoughts.
Difficulty Speaking → Dry mouth and decreased salivary flow can make it harder to speak clearly, leading to hesitations or awkward pauses.
Defensiveness and Hostility → Becoming hostile, overly defensive, or pointing fingers at others can be a way to deflect attention.
Understanding Stress vs. Deception
It’s important to remember that these behaviours don’t always mean someone is lying. Many of the same signs appear when people are nervous, stressed, or anxious. What matters is the context, consistency, and combination of signals, rather than a single action in isolation.
When people lie, the body reacts physiologically - increased heart rate, changes in blood flow, and reduced saliva production all contribute to the outward signs we see. Liars also often overcompensate with talking, hoping that an appearance of openness will make them seem more believable.
Final Thoughts
Detecting deception is as much an art as a science. By paying close attention to body language, tone, and behaviour, you can often identify when someone’s story doesn’t add up.
At QNA Investigations, we specialise in uncovering the truth with evidence that goes beyond words. If you suspect dishonesty, our investigators can help. If you’d like to know more, contact us by phone on +61 2 9212 5000 or via email at mail@qnainvestigations.com.au.